A tourist hotspot popular among British holidaymakers is going through a major shake-up, closing beach bars and removing basic facilities such as toilets, and sun loungers, as well as removing the possibility of hiring equipment.
Orihuela Costa's new coastal councillor, Manuel Mestre, announced that visitors will have to bring their own refreshments for a day out at the beach.
Areas including Campo Amor, La Zenia, Mil Palmeras and Cabo Roig in Spain's Costa Blanca will all undergo major changes.
The shake-up is happening because council contracts, which allowed beach bars and sunbed rentals to operate in the area, expired in January and there has been no new agreement as of yet.
The Olive Press reports that the old beach contract was operated by Chiringuitos del Sol at 11 beaches in the area for a number of years - and this is not the first year that holidaymakers have seen their plans disrupted by disputes between the firm and the local council.
Mr Mestre reportedly told the Lomas and Cabo Roig residents' association that a new agreement would be drawn up to allow beach bars to reopen.
He also did not rule out the possibility that food trucks may be able to sell grub at some of the beaches, but none have been spotted so far.
There are now fears that the lack of services may threaten the status of Blue Flag beaches that Orihuela Costa kept for the sixth consecutive year after a new examination in May.
Yesterday, the Foreign Office issued two new updates for British holidaymakers planning to go to Spain this summer.
Millions fly from the UK every year to enjoy the Spanish sunshine - though you should take care in the extreme heat of 42C forecast for the Balearic Islands this July.
In the latest change to travel advice, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Friday issued new guidance on reporting a crime in Spain.
It urged tourists to watch out for street crime by distraction thieves as well as "highway pirates" who force foreign-registered and hire cars to stop, along with bogus police officers who ask you to hand over your wallet rather than travel documents.
The other change came in on Wednesday, July 5, when Spain ended all remaining requirements to wear Covid face masks.
Until then, it had still been mandatory to wear a mask in healthcare centres and pharmacies but this had already been lifted in public places and on public transport.
And in May, a limit on the amount of drinks holidaymakers can have in the Balearic islands was introduced.
The sun-drenched islands - including Menorca, Ibiza and Majorca - are a huge draw for tourists every year, with 16.4million people visiting there in 2022 - almost exactly the same as the pre-Covid 2019 figure.
The Balearic Government and the British Embassy launched a joint campaign to restate zero tolerance for "tourism of excesses".
The consul, Lloyd Milen, said at the launch: "We all have a responsibility to know the rules, comply with them and guarantee an excellent vacation for ourselves and those around us."
